Reference member for determining a position of an implant analog

ABSTRACT

A reference member for determining a position of an implant analog can comprise a trapezoidal body including a first side and a substantially parallel second side. The first side can define a first dimension and the second side can define a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/386,255, filed Dec. 21, 2016, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/062,027,filed Oct. 24, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,880, which claimsthe benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Geier, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/718,462, entitled “MATCHHOLDER AND REFERENCE BODY FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF IMPLANTS ORANALOGS”, filed on Oct. 25, 2012, Geier, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/747,620, entitled “MATCH HOLDER AND REFERENCEBODY FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF IMPLANTS OR ANALOGS”, filed on Dec.31, 2012, and Geier, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/800,899, entitled “REFERENCE MEMBER FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF ANIMPLANT ANALOG”, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document pertains generally to means for determining aposition of an implant analog in three-dimensional (3-D) space.

BACKGROUND

Determining a position of an implant analog can be difficult. An implantanalog body can be embedded in a working model. Currently, a referencemember can be screwed to an implant analog and alignment or position ofthe implant analog can be determined by a plurality of scans. Thereference member can be cylindrical or a conical cylinder with a flatsection that can be used for orientation of the geometry of the body.The reference member can be matched to each of a number of implantanalog systems. Consequently, a high degree of user skill andconcentration can be required to match the reference member to eachimplant analog system. In order to mitigate potential for error duringprocessing of data, the reference member alignment or position can bedocumented manually or taken when selecting the corresponding geometry.

Dimensions of the reference member can be constrained by adjacent teeth,such that the cylinder can be no thicker than about 5 millimeters (mm).Measurement of the reference member can be a tactile, as well as avisual, endeavor. The tactile measurement can include measuring a coversurface of the cylinder, which is defined by a circle and a plane. Acenter of the circle and a vector describing the position of the planecan describe a direction of the reference member. Since height of themeasured cylinder can be known, the position and direction of theimplant analog can be described. Visual measurement of the referencemember can be scanned and software can extrude data. Also with thistechnique, the center of the lid surface can be obtained.

Another way to determine the position of an implant analog body can be abest fit function. In this technique, the reference member can bescanned or triangulated relative to another body.

SUMMARY

To better illustrate the reference member and related methods disclosedherein, a non-limiting list of examples is provided here:

In Example 1, a reference member for determining a position of animplant analog, comprising a trapezoidal body including a first side anda substantially parallel second side, the first side defining a firstdimension and the second side defining a second dimension greater thanthe first dimension; an apical surface, including an apical orifice,disposed on an apical end of the trapezoidal body; and a coronalsurface, including at least a first reference code and a secondreference code, disposed on a coronal end of the trapezoidal body.

In Example 2, the reference member of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the apical surface and the coronal surface are integral withthe trapezoidal body.

In Example 3, the reference member of any one or any combination ofExamples 1-2 is optionally configured such that the apical surface andthe coronal surface are formed as separate components that are coupledto the trapezoidal body.

In Example 4, the reference member of any one of or any combination ofExamples 1-3 is optionally configured such that the first reference codeis different than the second reference code.

In Example 5, the reference member of any one of or any combination ofExamples 1-4 is optionally configured such that the first reference codeis positioned between the first side and a center of the coronalsurface.

In Example 6, the reference member of any one of or any combination ofExamples 1-5 is optionally configured such that the second referencecode is positioned between the second side and a center of the coronalsurface.

In Example 7, the reference member of any one of or any combination ofExamples 1-6 is optionally configured such that at least one of thefirst and second reference codes is one of a 12-bit code, a 32-bit code,and a 64-bit code.

In Example 8, the reference member of any one of or any combination ofExamples 1-7 is optionally configured such that the first reference codeand the second reference code are configured to provide an orientationof the reference member when scanned.

In Example 9, the reference member of any one of or any combination ofExamples 1-8 is optionally configured such that the first and secondreference codes are configured to identify a predetermined implantanalog, when the reference codes are scanned.

In Example 10, the reference member of any one or any combination ofExample 1-9 is optionally configured such that the first and secondreference codes are configured to identify a position of a predeterminedimplant analog, when the reference codes are scanned.

In Example 11, the reference member of any one of or any combination ofExamples 1-10 is optionally configured such that a post extending fromthe apical surface of the trapezoidal body, the post including a bore incommunication with the apical orifice.

In Example 12, the reference member of any one or any combination ofExamples 1-11 is optionally configured such that the post is configuredfor snap-fit or press-fit engagement with the implant analog.

In Example 13, the reference member of any one or any combination ofExamples 1-12 is optionally configured such that the implant analog isaccessible through a coronal orifice formed in the coronal surface ofthe reference member.

In Example 14, the reference member of any one or any combination ofExamples 1-13 is optionally configured such that the implant analog isaccessible through a coronal orifice formed in the coronal surface ofthe reference member.

In Example 15, a method for determining a position of an implant analog,comprising, providing or obtaining a reference member, the referencemember including, a trapezoidal body including a first side and asubstantially parallel second side, the first side defining a first sidewidth and the second side defining a second side width greater than thefirst side width, an apical surface disposed on an apical end of thetrapezoidal body, the apical surface including an apical orifice, a postextending from the apical surface of the trapezoidal body, the postincluding a bore in communication with the apical orifice, and a coronalsurface disposed on a coronal end of the trapezoidal body, the coronalsurface including at least a first reference code and a second referencecode, the first and second reference codes correlated to a predeterminedimplant, coupling the reference member to an implant analog, includingreceiving the implant analog within the bore, and scanning at least thereference member with a scanner

In Example 16, the method of Example 15 is optionally configured forgenerating a virtual geometric shape of the reference member or thepredetermined implant from a plurality of scanned images.

In Example 17, the method of any one of or any combination of Examples15 or 16 is optionally configured such that generating the virtualgeometric shape includes superimposing at least a portion of theplurality of scanned images on each other.

In Example 18, the method of any one of or any combination of Examples15-17 is optionally configured such that superimposing is based on anorientation of the first reference code and an orientation of the secondreference code.

In Example 19, the method of any one of or any combination of Examples15-18 is optionally configured such that scanning the reference memberincludes identifying the predetermined implant.

In Example 20, the method of any one of or any combination of Examples15-19 is optionally configured for comparing the generated virtualgeometric shape to a stored geometry of the reference member, whereinthe reference member is specific to the implant analog.

In Example 21, the method of any one of or any combination of Examples15-20 is optionally configured for positioning a virtual abutment to fitwithin boundaries defined by the generated virtual geometric shape.

In Example 26, a system for a determining a position of predeterminedimplant analog configured to be implanted in a dental cavity, and areference member, including, a trapezoidal body including a first sideand a substantially parallel second side, the first side defining afirst side width and the second side defining a second side widthgreater than the first side width, an apical surface disposed on anapical end of the trapezoidal body, the apical surface including anapical orifice, a post extending from the apical surface of thetrapezoidal body, the post including a bore in communication with theapical orifice and configured to receive the predetermined implantanalog, and a coronal surface disposed on a coronal end of thetrapezoidal body, the coronal surface including at least a firstreference code and a second reference code, the first and secondreference codes configured to provide a position of the predeterminedimplant analog.

In Example 27, the reference member, method, or system of any one or anycombination of Examples 1-26 is optionally configured such that allelements or options recited are available to use or select from.

This Summary is intended to provide non-limiting examples of the presentsubject matter—it is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustiveexplanation. The Detailed Description below is included to providefurther information about the present match holder, reference member,and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralscan be used to describe similar elements throughout the several views.The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way oflimitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a reference member, in accordance withat least one example;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the reference member, in accordance with atleast one example;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the reference member, in accordancewith at least one example;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the implant analog engaged with aworking model, in accordance with at least one example; and

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for determininga position of an implant analog or an analog.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a reference body, such as an extraoralreference body (e.g., matchholder), for determining a position of animplant analog within a mouth or cavity of a patient. The reference bodydescribed herein can be of a predetermined geometry, such that thereference body can be used with a variety of dental implant analogs. Thereference body described herein can be configured to optimize the amountof space available within a working model. Further, the reference bodyorientation within the working model can be determined by one or morereference codes on the reference body, such that user error can besubstantially mitigated. Further, the one or more reference codes canindicate or correlate to a specific style or type of implant analog.Although the following description focuses on a single tooth cavity, thedescribed examples can also be used for multiple tooth cavities.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a reference member 16, in accordancewith at least one example of the present disclosure. One or more of thecomponents of the reference member 16 can be made of a biocompatiblematerial, such as a material that does not produce a toxic, injurious,or immunological response in living tissue. Biocompatible materials caninclude, but are not limited to, ceramics, synthetic polymericmaterials, and metallic materials such as titanium, a titanium alloy,cobalt chromium, cobalt chromium molybdenum, tantalum, or a tantalumalloy. In various examples, the reference member 16 can be reusable,such as after sterilization. In an example, the reference member 16 canbe made of a polymer such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the reference member 16 can include atrapezoidal body 17, including a first side 2, a substantially parallelsecond side 4, and a coronal surface 6. The trapezoidal body 17 can beconfigured to optimize a cavity space within the working model. Thecavity space is generally constrained by the adjacent teeth and cavityshape. Typical reference members are generally cylindrical or conicalcylindrical with a flat section used for orientation of the referencemember. However, such cylindrical reference members are not constructedin consideration of the adjacent teeth, generally limiting a diameter ofthe reference body to 5 millimeters or less, such that a surface area ofthe flat section is less than about 19.5 mm². The trapezoidal body 17 ofthe reference member 16 can take into consideration the space limitationimposed by the adjacent teeth. In an example, the reference member 16,due to the trapezoidal shape, can have a surface area of the coronalsurface 6 greater than about 25 mm². A larger surface area of thecoronal surface 6 can allow for increased accuracy in determining aposition or an orientation of the reference member 16 on the implantanalog, such as providing an increased area for reference codes asdescribed below. Further, the larger shape of the reference member 16,as compared to previous approaches, can increase accuracy of opticalpositioning, such as by a user, of the reference member 16 or theimplant analog.

The coronal surface 6 can be integral with the trapezoidal body 17 orformed as a separate component configured to be coupled to thetrapezoidal body 17. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the coronal surface 6can include one or more reference codes, such as a first reference code10 and a second reference code 12. In an example, the first referencecode 10 can be associated with the first side 2 of the trapezoidal body17 and the second reference code 12 can be associated with the secondside 4 of the trapezoidal body 17. The first reference code 10 can bepositioned on the coronal surface 6 between a center C of the coronalsurface 6 and the first side 2. The second reference code 12 can bepositioned on the coronal surface 6 between the center C of the coronalsurface 6 and the second side 4.

The first and second reference codes 10, 12 can be different codes, suchthat each reference code is uniquely identifiable optically or by ascanning device, as described herein. The first and second referencecodes 10, 12 can permit a user to take an impression or a computerizedvisualization, such as photometrically, of an implant analog or anabutment with the use of an intraoral device that can scan the referencecodes 10, 12 on the coronal surface 6 of the reference member 16. Thesereference codes 10, 12 can provide information to determine anorientation of the reference member 16 or the implant analog. Thereference codes 10, 12 can include any type of scannable or visuallydiscernible object or marking, such as those illustrated in FIG. 1A,including, but not limited to, bar codes or quick read codes. Forinstance, a reference code, such as the first and second referencecodes, can include a pattern or predefined order of scannable shapes,including any geometric shape. A scannable shape can include a shape ofa contrasting color or shading to the coronal surface 6, a scannableshape in at least one of infrared, ultraviolet, or visible wavelength,or any combination thereof. Further, the reference codes 10,12 can beengraved, such as by laser engraving, the coronal surface 6. Thereference codes 10, 12 can include encoding such as, for example 12-bit,32-bit, or 64-bit encoding, such that by combining the two encodings ofthe reference codes 10, 12, over 1900 different geometries can bedescribed. The reference codes 10, 12 can identify, when scanned, a typeor style of implant analog.

The reference member 16 can include a coronal orifice 8 extendingthrough the coronal surface 6. The coronal orifice 8 can be configuredto allow for insertion of a tool, such as a screw driver, into thetrapezoidal body 17. Although the coronal orifice 8 is shown ascircular, it is contemplated that orifice 8 can be any geometric shapeincluding, but not limited to, square, rectangular, star, or the like.The coronal orifice 8 can be located anywhere on the coronal surface 6,such as in the center C.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the reference member 16 can include a post 14extending from the trapezoidal body 17. As will be discussed in furtherdetail below, the post 14 can be configured to snap fit or press fitwith the implant analog.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the reference member 16, in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure. As previously discussed,the coronal surface 6 includes the first and second reference codes 10,12 disposed toward the first side 2 and the second side 4, respectively.With reference to FIG. 1B, the first side 2 can define a first dimension3 and the second side 4 can define a second dimension 5. The first andsecond dimensions 3, 5 can represent the lengths of the first and secondsides 2, 4, respectively, of the reference member 16. The firstdimension 3 can be less than the second dimension 5, thereby defining aportion of the trapezoidal body 17. In an example, the first dimension 3can be less than about 5 mm, and the second dimension 5 can be less thanabout 7 mm. In an example, the first dimension can be about 3 mm and thesecond dimension can be about 5 mm. A third dimension 7, such as thelength from the first side 2 to the second side 4, can be greater thanone or both the first and second dimensions 3, 5. In an example, thethird dimension 7 can be about 5 mm to about 10 mm. The coronal orifice8 can define a fourth dimension 9, such as the diameter of the coronalorifice 8. In an example, the fourth dimension can be less than about 3mm.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the reference member 16, inaccordance with at least one example of the present disclosure. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the coronal orifice 8 can be in communicationwith a chamber 25 of the trapezoidal body 17. A perimeter of the chamber25 can be defined by the internal walls 23 of the trapezoidal body 17.The chamber 25 can have a trapezoidal shape that is generally similarto, but smaller than, the trapezoidal body 17. However, the internalwalls 23 of the trapezoidal body 17 can be shaped and configured suchthat the chamber 25 defines any desired shape within the confines of thetrapezoidal body 17.

At an apical end of the chamber 25 of the trapezoidal body 17, an apicalsurface 26 can be provided that includes an apical orifice 28. Invarious examples, the apical surface 26 can be integral with thetrapezoidal body 17 or formed as a separate component configured to becoupled to the trapezoidal body 17. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apicalorifice 28 can be configured to retain an implant analog attachmentmember 24 extending through the apical orifice 28. For example, theimplant analog attachment member 24 can include a head portion 27 with adiameter larger than a diameter of the apical orifice 28, such that thehead portion 27 retains the implant analog attachment member 24 withinthe apical orifice 28. One benefit of retaining the implant analogattachment member 24 within the apical orifice 28 includes preventingthe implant analog attachment member 24 from detaching or falling out ofthe chamber 25. The implant analog attachment member 24 can be sized andconfigured such that the head portion 27 can be positioned within thechamber 25, and the body portion 29 can extend through the apicalorifice 28 and at least partially into a bore 22 of the post 14. Invarious examples, the body portion 29 of the implant analog attachmentmember 24 can extend beyond the post 14, or can be positioned entirelywithin the bore 22.

The implant analog attachment member 24 can include any fastenerconfigured to engage the implant analog, described herein, such as ascrew or bolt configured to threadably engage the implant analog. Theimplant analog attachment member 24 can be configured for other types ofconnection including, for example, a snap-fit connection or a press-fitconnection. Engagement of the implant analog attachment member 24 withthe implant analog can secure the reference member 16 such that nofurther attention, such as manual user manipulation of the referencemember within the dental cavity of the working model, is required toorient the reference member 16. The implant analog attachment member 24can be accessible through the coronal orifice 8 by a tool, such as ascrewdriver.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a working model 30 and implant analog32, in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.The working model 30 can be a casting of a lower jaw or an upper jaw ofa patient. The working model 30 can be made of a material such as astone, polymeric, or other material. The working model can include oneor more dental cavities 38, such as formed by a missing tooth. Thedental cavity 38 is proximate adjacent teeth 34. The implant analog 32can be inserted into the dental cavity 38, such as by threading orotherwise pressing the implant analog 32 into the working model 30.Further, the implant analog can include an implant analog orifice 36disposed coronaly or in a direction away from the gum line, such thatthe implant analog attachment member 24 can engage the implant analog32. The implant analog orifice 36 can include internal threading 37configured to be threadably engaged with the implant analog engagementmember 24, such that the implant analog 32 can be received within thebore 22 of the reference member 16.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 70 fordetermining a position of an implant analog. The method can includeproviding or obtaining 72 a reference member. The reference member, forexample, can include a trapezoidal body including a first side and asubstantially parallel second side, the first side defining a first sidewidth and the second side defining a second side width greater than thefirst side width. Further, the reference member can include an apicalsurface disposed toward an apical end of the trapezoidal body, whereinthe apical end defines an apical orifice. The reference member caninclude an implant analog attachment member extending through the apicalorifice and a coronal surface disposed on a coronal end of thetrapezoidal body, the coronal surface including one or more referencecodes, such as a first reference code and a second reference code.

The method 70 can include coupling 74 the reference member to thepredetermined implant, including engaging the implant analog within thebore. Engaging the implant analog can include threadably engaging animplant analog attachment member with the implant analog orifice.

The method 70 can further include scanning 76 at least the referencemember with a scanner. The scanner can be a free-hand scanner that isconfigured to be guided by a user (e.g., not a constant, known zero, orreference point).

The method 70 can further include a number of options. For example, themethod can include taking a plurality of scanned images of the referencemember engaged with the implant analog. The scanned images can bepartial or full images of the reference member. A virtual geometricshape of the reference member can be generated from the plurality ofscanned images. Generating the virtual geometric shape can includesuperimposing a portion of the plurality of scanned images on oneanother to form a single, uniform virtual geometric shape of thereference member. Superimposing can be based on an orientation of thefirst reference code and an orientation of the second reference code,such that the reference codes are lined up to generate a uniform imageof the reference member.

The orientation of the reference member can be described by thecombination of the two reference codes and the arrangement of thereference codes on the reference member. Thus, according to theplurality of scans, the position in space of the coronal surface, thevector of the side surfaces, the orientation in space of the referencecodes, or the type of geometry of the contents of the codes can bedetermined. Consequently, manual user input can be reduced, minimized,or unnecessary. The resulting information can be provided through atransformation matrix of the processing software, thus reducing orminimizing the error rate compared to previous approaches. The scanningof the reference member can include identifying the type or style of theimplant analog, such as the reference codes an identify the implantanalog.

In an example, the generated virtual geometric shape of the referencemember can be compared to a stored geometry of the reference member,wherein the reference member can be specific to the implant analog.Further, the method can include positioning of a virtual abutment, suchas the implant abutment in a virtual 3D environment, to fit withinboundaries defined by the generated virtual geometric shape.

In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure contemplates atechnique wherein the user can screw the reference member onto theimplant analog, such that no further attention, such as manualmanipulation of the orientation of the reference member, is necessaryfrom the user. The reference codes on the coronal surface of thereference member can provide the position of the implant analog, such asthe regardless of the orientation of the reference member. Althoughreference members having any suitable shape can be used, in variousexamples, a trapezoidal reference member can be configured to optimizethe amount of space available within a dental cavity. Therefore, in anoptical method, the accuracy can be improved.

The above Detailed Description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the Detailed Description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the inventioncan be practiced. These examples are also referred to herein as“examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to thoseshown or described. However, the present inventor also contemplatesexamples in which only those elements shown or described are provided.Moreover, the present inventor also contemplates examples using anycombination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or oneor more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example(or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (orone or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and anydocuments so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

The above Detailed Description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherexamples can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art uponreviewing the above Detailed Description. Also, in the above DetailedDescription, various features may be grouped together to streamline thedisclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that anunclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventivesubject matter may lie in less than all features of a particulardisclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporatedinto the Detailed Description as examples or examples, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate example, and it is contemplated thatsuch examples can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allowthe reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used tointerpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A device for determining a type and a position of adental prosthesis, comprising: a reference member having at least afirst reference code and a second reference code thereon, wherein thefirst reference code and second reference code correspond to the typeand the position of the dental prosthesis; and a post configured tocouple the device to the dental prosthesis.
 3. The device of claim 2,wherein the reference member has a coronal orifice extending through acoronal surface thereof.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the coronalorifice is configured to allow for insertion of a tool into a cavitydefined by the reference member.
 5. The device of claim 2, wherein thereference member has an apical orifice extending through an apicalsurface thereof.
 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising anattachment member comprising a fastener configured to affix thereference member to the dental prosthesis.
 7. The device of claim 6,wherein the fastener extends through the apical orifice and at leastpartially into a bore of the post.
 8. The device of claim 2, wherein thedental prosthesis comprises one of an prosthesis analog or an abutment.9. The device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first referencecode or the second reference code are configured to provide anorientation of the reference member when scanned.
 10. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the post is configured for snap-fit or press-fitengagement with the dental prosthesis.
 11. A method for determining atype and a position of a dental prosthesis, comprising: providing orobtaining a reference member, the reference member including at least afirst reference code and a second reference code, wherein the first andsecond reference codes correlate to the type and the position of thedental prosthesis; coupling the reference member to the dentalprosthesis with a post extending from the reference member; andidentifying the first reference code and the second reference codephotometrically to determine the type and the position of the dentalprosthesis.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating avirtual geometric shape of the reference member or the dental prosthesisfrom the first reference code and the second reference code.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein generating the virtual geometric shapeincludes superimposing at least a portion of a plurality of scannedimages on each other.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein superimposingis based on an orientation of the first reference code and anorientation of the second reference code.
 15. The method of claim 12,further comprising comparing the generated virtual geometric shape to astored geometry of the reference member, wherein the reference member isspecific to the dental prosthesis.
 16. The method of claim 11, whereinthe reference member has a coronal orifice extending through a coronalsurface thereof, and wherein the coronal orifice is configured to allowfor insertion of a tool into a cavity defined by the reference member.17. The method of claim 11, wherein the reference member has an apicalorifice extending through an apical surface thereof, wherein the postincludes a bore in communication with the apical orifice.
 18. The methodof claim 17, further comprising an attachment member comprising afastener configured to affix the reference member to the dentalprosthesis.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fastener extendsthrough the apical orifice and at least partially into a bore of thepost.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the dental prosthesiscomprises one of a prosthesis analog or an abutment.
 21. The method ofclaim 11, wherein at least one of the first reference code or the secondreference code are configured to provide an orientation of the referencemember when scanned.